Top Things to do in Essex
Top Hotels in Essex
- 1. Hampton By Hilton London Stansted Airport
- 2. Novotel London Stansted Airport
- 3. Premier Inn London Stansted Airport hotel
- 4. Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
- 5. Travelodge Stansted Great Dunmow
- 6. The George Hotel
- 7. Roslin Beach Hotel
- 8. The County Hotel
- 9. Premier Inn Thurrock East hotel
- 10. London Chigwell, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Countries
Top 10 Historic Sites in Essex, England
Discover the best top things to do in Essex, United Kingdom including Peake's House, The Claudius Gateway, Thaxted, St Peter's Chapel, Royal Gunpowder Mills, Mountfitchet Castle, Hadleigh Castle, Southchurch Hall, Prittlewell Priory, West Cliff Theatre.
Restaurants in Essex
1. Peake's House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Originally three cottages at the centre of Colchester's cloth trade, the long mullioned windows were designed to give light to the weavers at their looms. It is a snug retreat from which you can explore the historic town. Peake's House can be booked for short breaks with the Landmark Trust, a charity that restores historic buildings at risk and makes them available for holidays.
2. The Claudius Gateway
3. Thaxted
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By 918robynm - Tewantin, Australia
Thaxted is an amazing Village nestled on the heart of Essex and well worth the visit for lovers of history and also ramblers. It was given its towns charter in approx. 1066 The Guild hall was built around the 15th century and it was the home of Dock Turpin a highway of ill repute. The house that he reported live is on the main street. The parish is more like a cathedral and sits at the top of the village. There is also a restored win Mill a short walk from the church, which is wonderfully restored and we'll worth a visit. For the rambles, there are a lot of walking paths in the area that are quite easy and offer delightful views of the area. This village us well worth a visit of a few hours or more.
4. St Peter's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By 997Scotty - Cheshunt, United Kingdom
We completed an 11 mile walk, in the Autumn sunshine on the remote Dengie Peninsula. This is a wild and beautiful area. Salt marsh, seascapes, prolific bird life and the isolated Chapel of St Peter’s. Our walk, following part of the 45 mile St Peter’s Way, started from the small village of Tillingham. We eventually reached the sea wall that encompasses the Peninsula. What a delight! We were on our own other than the geese and dozens of Lapwings, positioned like soldiers, out on the reclaimed fields, facing the Autumn sun. Far out into the distance we could see an isolated building looking out over the the North Sea. This was no ordinary building. It was the Grade 1 - 1,366 year old Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. The Chapel was built on the site of a Roman settlement. This is an amazing site. You have to pinch yourself that you are only 55 miles from the centre of London. Our short Autumn day passed quickly - we walked back across the fields to Tillingham in the fading light.
5. Royal Gunpowder Mills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children's Activities. With a 300 year history and 170 acres of secret science and hidden heritage there's always a great day out to be had at the Royal Gunpowder Mills - Next open February 10 - February 18 for MAYHEM IN THE MAD LAB
Reviewed By Ashmooree4 - Chingford, United Kingdom
Visited in half term with my nephew's, they enjoyed the hands on experience and professor Nitrates show, to be honest I think I enjoyed it even more., the on-site cafe was outstanding, we all had a nice meal, it was good to get decent food without getting ripped off like some theme parks.. All the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the day.fully recommended ???? ????
6. Mountfitchet Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By 74alancurrie - Witham, United Kingdom
We had another wonderful time at this fantastic attraction. So much to explore and engage in, educational, interactive fun throughout the castle grounds and the most far out, wackiest and full on British eccentric museum you can ever hope to visit, I stare in awe and the huge star wars collection. All the staff are friendly, cheerfully and helpful. You made my Daughters 13th Birthday very special during this trying time of corona virus. See you again soon
7. Hadleigh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By ForgotAboutMuntus - London, United Kingdom
We call this place Windy castle as there's always a breeze! One of our favourite places. Parking is a bit difficult so definitely recommend getting there early. The walk to the castle isn't too long and then the views when you get there are beautiful overlooking the estuary. The ruins are very atmospheric although its quite a challenge to stop children climbing on them! The Salvation Army Cafe by the carpark is brilliant with great views if you sit outside and very reasonable prices.
8. Southchurch Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
A stunning Grade 1 listed moated, medieval manor house is just a short walk from Southend on Sea's busy seafront and High Street. The house, gardens and archaeology are captured in time. Stop by the gift shop for a hot drink and a snack before exploring the gardens and feeding the ducks.
Reviewed By 149stuartc - Rayleigh, United Kingdom
Not far from central Southend on Sea but hidden away in amongst the streets of Southchurch. There are a couple more f brown signs but probably best to use a SatNav if you don’t know the area. There was is no parking so you have to find a space in the side roads (which isn’t too hard). The hall is set in nice gardens. It’s a wonderful building with friendly staff happy to tell you all about the place. Best of all though is it’s free to visit. It’s a wonderful medieval building with very few modern trappings. There are information boards in each room and there are lots of exhibits to give you a feel for the place. I particularly like the kitchen and great hall. The gift shop area also has large information boards telling you all about the history. Really worth finding.
9. Prittlewell Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Nestled in the heart of Southend's Priory Park, Prittlewell Priory is a beautiful example of a 12th century Cluniac Monastery. Permanent exhibitions tell the story of the Priory and the building's various uses throughout history. Learn about the lives of the monks of Prittlewell, Tudor period owners including Thomas Audley and Sir Richard Rich and the Victorian Scratton family. Opposite the Priory building you'll find our Visitor Centre complete with gift shop, drinks and other facilities. Enjoy the stunning grounds that surround our building and take a stroll through the picturesque walled gardens.
Reviewed By 42glynism - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
So much history to be found definitely worth a visit when in Southend, with a nice park to walk around and lovely flowers when in season.
10. West Cliff Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Established on the current Clacton site in 1899, and run independently by the West Cliff Trust, the West Cliff is the only surviving purpose-built theatre in Clacton, and plays host to professional touring shows and many local amateur dramatic and operatic groups, dance schools, and other youth groups. Its compact auditorium with just under 600 seats, a unique atmosphere and knowledgeable and friendly staff make it Clacton's theatre of choice for artistes and audiences alike. The Stage Door Bar is open prior to, during the interval and after each show, and provides pre-booked meals for selected shows. The lounge may be hired for private functions with or without bar and catering services.
Reviewed By GPandCP
What a find! A lovely place to enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch, sandwiches or home made cakes at reasonable prices in pleasant surroundings and lovely welcoming staff. We always look forward to going there when we have to visit Clacton hospital as it is just across the road. Do give it a try!
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